Metallic partition structure



April 19, 1955 A CROWN 2,706,541

METALLIC PARTITION STRUCTURE Filed NOV. 17, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet l l l l I I I I l IN VEN TOR.

J. A. CROWN B ATTORNEYS April 19, 1955 1 A, CROWN 2,706,541

METALLIC PARTITION STRUCTURE Filed Nov. 17, 1953 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVEN TOR.

J. A. CROWN ATTORNEYS April 19, 1955 J, A, CROWN 2,706,541

METALLIC PARTITION STRUCTURE Filed NOV. 17, 1950 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 FIG- 7 INVENTOR.

J. A. CROWN AT TORNEYS United States Patent O METALLIC PARTITION STRUCTURE James A. Crown, Harrisonburg, Va., assgnor, by mesne assignments, to Virginia Metal Products, Inc., a corporation of Delaware Application November 17, 1950, Serial No. 196,311

4 Claims. (Cl. 189-34) This invention relates to building construction and more particularly to a metallic partition structure which may be readily assembled from a relatively few simple elements which are easily combined and joined into a strong rigid structure.

Numerous similar structures have been proposed for forming window frames or sashes, doors, partitions and like structures, however, these have not always provided sufficient rigidity in the composite structure or were too complicated and expensive to manufacture.

In accordance with the present invention a relatively few simple sections and a reinforcing member may be combined to form a very substantial and rigid partition which may be, if desired, partially formed of solid panels, transparent panels and pivoted ventilator panels, etc. The elements may be combined in a number of dillerent ways to provide substantially any desired arrangement of the composite partition using only one set of sections or profiles for each of the rails, reinforcing elements and upright posts.

One object of the present invention is to provide a metallic partition structure formed of various panels with a relatively few simple preformed sections or profiles rolled or otherwise formed out of sheet metal and combinable in innumerable different arrangements wherein the sections are fastened and secured together by vsuitable fastening elements to provide a substantial and rigid framework for the composite partition structure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a metallic partition structure which may be readily assembled in position in the building and selectively put together to provide solid panels, transparent panels, ventilator panels, etc.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a number of novel sections or proles of rails, reinforcing elements, upright posts and cooperating fastening elements therefore from which the framework for any desired partition may be readily formed by the proper selection, combination, and assembly of the elements.

Further objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view in section of a composite partition formed in accordance with one preferred embodiment of the present invention and with portions of the panels broken away;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view with parts in section and portions broken away illustrating one manner of connecting the horizontal rails with the upright posts;

Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2 but showing the parts secured in position and with a solid panel and a transparent panel positioned in the supporting frame;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a portion of a rolled reinforcing member;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of a symmetrical transverse rail;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of an asymmetrical transverse rail; and

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a portion of a channel section used in conjunction with the asymmetrical rail of Fig. 6.

Referring to the drawings in detail and more particularly to Figs. 4 through 7, illustrating the detailed construction of four of the more important basic elements of one preferred embodiment of the present invention. The various elements are preferably rolled in continuous strip form and sections cut olf to the desired length.

2,706,541 Patented Apr. 19, 1955 The reinforcing and securing section 10 is provided with edge flanges 12 and 14 and central longitudinal flanges 16 and 18 of U-shaped configuration. The flanges are connected by intermediate transverse portions 20, 22 and 24. The intermediate portions 20 and 24 are preferably provided with tabs 26 and 28 which have openings 30 and 31 therethrough for a purpose to be described hereinafter.

The reinforcing and securing member 10 may be used in conjunction with either of the transverse rails shown in Fig. 5 and Fig. 6.

The transverse rail 32 shown in Fig. 5 is a symmetrical form of generally box like configuration and has one relatively wide side wall made up of two portions 34 and 36 connected by a channel shaped member having side walls 38 and 40 converging outwardly from an intermediate portion 42 so that the walls 38 and 40 form an oblique angle with the portions 34 and 36 respectively, to form a dovetail recess.

Relatively narrow end walls 44 and 46 are integrally connected to the portions 34 and 36 respectively and are provided with inwardly extending portions 48 and 50 terminating in spaced llanges 52 and 54 extending towards the portion 42 of the channel shaped member. End walls 44 and 46 form a substantial part of the other wider side of the box-like structure with an elongated opening extending longitudinally.

The transverse rail 56 shown in Fig. 6 is somewhat similar to the rail 32 shown in Fig. 5 and has its left hand portion identical with that of rail 32 being provided with a relatively narrow end wall 58 having an inwardly extending' portion 60 with a flange 62 along the longitudinal edge and a portion 64 connecting the end wall with an oblique wall 66 integrally connected to an intermediate portion 68. The opposite end wall 70 is substantially narrower than the end wall 58 being about half the width and is likewise provided with a portion 72 terminating in a longitudinal inwardly extending flange 74. The opposite end wall 70 is connected to the intermediate portions 68 by a dovetail section having a por tion 76 with oblique flanges 78 and 80 along opposite longitudinal edges, the ilange 78 being integrally connected with the intermediate portion 68 and the flange 80 beilrgF/'integrally connected by narrow portion 82 to end wa A channel shaped element 84 is shown in Fig. 7 which is provided with an intermediate portion 86, a lateral wall 88 perpendicular thereto, and a wall 90 extending at an oblique angle to the intermediate portion 86. Walls 88 and 90 both terminate in inwardly extending anges 92 and 94 which are adapted to engage the portions 78 and of the dovetail section to form with the asymmetric rail 56 a substantially box-like configuration generally similar to the symmetrical rails 32 shown in Fig. 5. However, this particular construction has certain advantages and particular uses which will be more fully illustrated and explained subsequently.

The use of the rolled rail sections illustrated in Figs. 4, 5, 6 and 7, will be apparent from a consideration of Fig. 1, wherein these elements have been combined with different panels, molding and a pivoted ventilator to form a complete metallic partition structure. The reinforcing element 10 is slid endwise within the symmetrical rail 32 to form the upper member shown in Fig. l. The flanges 12 and 14 engage the walls 44 and 46 to strengthen the structure while the flanges 16 and v18 engage the llanges 52 and 54 on the rail 32. Two of the box-like rail sections 32 and 56 thus assembled and attached to supporting upright posts form the frame for a pivotally mounted transparent ventilator panel consisting of a pane of glass 96 mounted in a suitable sash or frame work 98hand retained therein by putty or other securing means 10 Another symmetrical rail 32 is used below to form av portion of the frame around the glass panel 104 which rests on a wooden block or other support 106 placed in the channel on portion 42, and the glass 104 may be retained between walls 38 and 40 by putty or other means 108. The upper edge of the glass is retained between the oblique portion 66 on the asymmetrical rail 56 and the oblique wall 90 of the channel member 84 which has been snapped onto the dovetail portion of the asymmetrical rail 56.

It will be obvious that the provision of this channel which will readily snap into position facilitates both tlle21 insertion and subsequent removal of the glass panel A packed steel panel 110 of the flush type has been shown adjacent the bottom of Fig, l and is provided with steel covering sheets 112 terminating in flanges 114 and 116 which extend between the ilanges 52 and 54 on the box-like member 32. It will be obvious that the flanges 16 and 18 of the reinforcing member 10 will press against the anges 52 and 54 and maintain a tight engagement with the flanges 114 and 116 on the solid panel.

Figs. 2 and 3 illustrate the manner of assembling and fastening the transverse rails such as 32 or 56 with upright posts 118. The upright posts 118 are provided with intermediate channel portions 120 which cooperate with the channel portions 42 and the channel portion formed between the flanges 16 and 1S on the reinforcing member to receive the intermediate panels or rubber molding.

The upright posts 118 are also provided with transverse slots 122 and 124 which are adapted to receive the tabs 26 and 28 formed on the outer end of the reinforcing member 10. When the tabs 26 and 2S have been inserted through the slots 122 and 124 respectively, tapered pins 126 and 128 are inserted through the openings 30 and 31 therein, as shown in Fig. 3, to securely retain the transverse rails in position relative to the upright posts 118.

In Fig. 3 a relatively thin packed steel panel 130 has been shown between the flanges 52 and 54. Panel 130 usually consists of two opposed metal sheets 132 and 134 with insulating material 136 therebetween. However, it will be apparent that plywood of proper thickness could be used in place of the packed steel panel 130 or the glass 104 in a similar construction.

It will be obvious that the rails, channels, and reinforcing members of the present invention may be cornbined with upright posts in any number of combinations and arrangements with other conventional elements of building structure to form partitions, panels, windows, doors, etc., and may be readily assembled and dis-assembled whenever desired by relatively unskilled craftsmen. 7

The completed metallic partition presents a neat and attractive appearance, as well as providing a rigid and substantial structure which may be utilized to provide a structural support for other members in the building construction.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in the invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof and therefore the invention is not limited by that which is shown by the drawings and described in the specification. but only as indicated in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A partition structure comprising at least one upright post and one rail, said post comprising a body of sheet material bent to include edge walls arranged in substantially parallel spaced relation and a front tace including portions secured to the adjacent edge wall and extending toward the other edge wall, other portions extending from said face rearwardly and a bottom portion extending between said other portions whereby a panel receiving recess is formed in the front of said post and concealing chambers for tapered pins are provided in the rear of the post, said post being provided with substantially horizontal slots in the face portions with the slots at substantially the same height, said rail comprising a generally box-like configuration, the top of said rail being provided with a panel receiving groove of substantially the same width as the recess, the bottom of said rail having inwardly extending flanges providing a longitudinal opening therebetween, longitudinal walls connecting the top and bottom of said rail, a reinforcing member inserted in said rail and having longitudinal edge flanges engaging the longitudinal walls of said rail and intermediate flanges engaging said flanges on the bottom wall of said rail, said reinforcing member engag- Q1 ing the wall of the bottom of the groove, said reinforcing member having a pair of tabs projecting into the slots in said post, said tabs having openings for receiving tapered pins, said groove registering with said recess, and tapered pins inserted in said openings in said tabs retaining Said rail in assembled relation with said post.

2. A partition structure comprising at least one upright post and one rail, said post comprising a body of sheet material bent to include edge walls arranged in substantially parallel spaced relation and a front face including portions secured to the adjacent edge wall and extending toward the other edge wall, other portions extending from said face rearwardly and laterally and a bottom portion extending between said other portions whereby a panel receiving recess wider at the bottom and narrower at the face is formed in the front of said post and concealing chambers for a tapered pin are provided in the rear of the post, said post being provided with substantially horizontal slots in each face portion with the slots at substantially the same height, said rail comprising a generally box-like conguration, the top of said rail being provided with a panel receiving groove wider at the bottom and narrower at the top of substantially the same width as said recess, the bottom of said rail having inwardly extending flanges providing a longitudinal opening therebetween, upwardly projecting flanges secured to said inwardly projecting flanges, longitudinal walls connecting the top and bottom of said rail, a reinforcing member inserted in said rail and having longitudinal edge flanges engaging the longitudinal walls of said rail and intermediate anges engaging said inwardly extending flanges on the bottom wall of said rail, and engaging said upwardly projecting flanges of said rail, said reinforcing member engaging the wall of the bottom of the groove, said reinforcing member having a pair of tabs projecting into the slots in said post, said tabs having openings for receiving tapered pins, said groove registering with said recess, and tapered pins inserted in said openings retaining said rail in assembled relation with said post.

3. A partition structure comprising at least one upright post and one rail, said post comprising a body of sheet material bent to include edge walls arranged in substantially parallel spaced relation and a front face including portions secured to the adjacent edge wall and extending toward the other edge wall, other portions extending from said face rearwardly and a bottom portion extending between said other portions whereby a panel receiving recess is formed in the front of said post and concealing chambers for fastening means are provided in the rear of the post, said post being provided with apertures in each face portion with the apertures at substantially the same height, said rail comprising a geenrally box-like configuration, the top of said rail being provided with a panel receiving groove of substantially the same Width as the recess, the bottom of said rail having inwardly extending flanges providing a longitudinal opening therebetween, longitudinal walls connecting the top and bottom of said rail, a reinforcing member inserted in said rail and having its lateral edges engaging the longitudinal walls of said rail and intermediate flanges engaging said flanges on the bottom wall of said rail, said reinforcing member engaging the wall of the bottom of the groove, said reinforcing member having a pair of tabs projecting into the apertures in said post, said groove registering with said recess, and fastening means secured to said tabs retaining said rail in assembled relation with said post.

4. A partition structure comprising at least one upright post and one rail, said post comprising a body of sheet material bent to include edge walls arranged in side-by-side spaced relation and a front face including portions secured to the adjacent edge wall and extending toward the other edge wall, other portions extending from said face rearwardly and a bottom portion extending between said other portions whereby a panel receiving recess is formed in the front of said post and concealing chambers for fastening means are provided in the rear of the post, said post being provided with apertures in each face portion with the apertures at substantially the same height, said rail comprising a generally box-like configuration, the top of said rail being provided with a panel receiving groove of substantially the same wldth as the recess, said groove registering with said recess, the bottom of said rail having inwardly extending ilanges providing a longitudinal opening therebetween, longitudinal walls connecting the top and bottom of said railfa reinforcing member inserted in said rail and having-longitudina1 edge anges engaging the longitudinal walls of said rail and means engaging said anges on the bottom wall of said rail, said reinforcing member engaging the wall of the bottom of the groove, said reinforcing member having a pair of means thereon for 'cooperation with fastening means, and fastening means engaging said post and said pair of means retaining said rail in assembled relation with said post.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 844,301 Charroin Feb. 12, 1907 1,101,745 Jones June 30, 1914 1,700,502 Levan Jan. 29, 1929 1,842,094 Houserman et al Jan. 19, 1932 1,844,696 Smiley Feb. 9, 1932 

